Alaina auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol in Nashville, Tennessee. Alaina was dubbed an early front-runner by many fans of the show, as well as by the judges. After her audition, Idol judge Steven Tyler stated "We found the one", referring to Alaina. Throughout the season, Lauren turned in many great performances, only landing in the Bottom 2, with Jacob Lusk, once during her run on Idol. On May 25, 2011, Lauren became the runner-up of the season. May 14, 2011 was proclaimed "Lauren Alaina Day" in her hometown of Rossville, Georgia. Alaina also sang "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" with judge Steven Tyler during her Nashville audition. She sang "Before He Cheats" during the season finale with her idol Carrie Underwood.